It is Championship Weekend in the NE-10. A new champion will be crowned and a lot of players will suit up for the last time in their career. One more weekend of football and fun for the league.


Pace (1-9, 0-9 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (2-8, 2-7 NE-10)

When: November 14th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: St. Anselm leads the series, 12-6-0

2014 Result: St. Anselm 31 Pace 14

My Thoughts: 9th place game.

Pace finished the regular season with a 15-10 loss at home to American International. The Setters were in the game but not able to find the end zone enough to win the game. They blocked two extra points and once again were solid in the return game. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to move the ball consistently and score when in the red zone. The defense will need to make tackles on the outside and not allow the St. Anselm offense to control the clock.

St. Anselm hung tough in the first half with New Haven before falling 44-21. The Hawks made several big plays but the size and power of the New Haven offensive line was the difference. The young St. Anselm team is still learning to play competitive football at this level. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to move the ball and not turn it over. The defense will need to tighten up in the running game and not allow big plays.

St. Anselm will make a late drive to win the game.

Prediction: St. Anselm 20 Pace 17


Southern Connecticut (3-7, 3-6 NE-10) @ American International (4-6, 4-5 NE-10)

When: November 14th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 31-25-3

2014 Result: American International 44 Southern Connecticut 13

My Thoughts: 7th place game.

Southern Connecticut dropped another tough game, this time at home to Merrimack 21-14. The Owls led late in the fourth quarter but were not able to hold on for the victory. A late interception was the downfall for Southern Connecticut as they drop another close game at home. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to play mistake free. The defense will need to frustrate the quarterback and get off the field on third down.

American International defeated Pace 15-10 on the road last weekend. The Yellow Jackets made enough plays to sneak out the victory. They used two first half touchdown drives to win their fourth game of the season. For American International to win the game, they will need to replicate their offensive performance in Week 2 against Southern. AIC will need to move the ball and convert on third downs.

Southern Connecticut will make more plays on offense and escape with the victory.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 17 AIC 13


LIU Post (6-4, 5-4 NE-10) @ Bentley (5-5, 5-4 NE-10)

When: November 14th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 12-7-0

2014 Result: Bentley 30 Post 28

My Thoughts:Prediction: LIU Post 27 Bentley 21


Stonehill (6-4, 5-4 NE-10) @ Merrimack (6-4, 6-3 NE-10)

When: November 14th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 11-9-0

2014 Result: Stonehill 24 Merrimack 20

My Thoughts: 3rd place game

Stonehill fell on the road to Assumption 28-14. The Skyhawks fell behind early and was not able to rally. The offense did finally get some sustained drives in the second half but it was too late to win on the road. The defense played well against one of the top offenses in the league but special teams didn't hold up their assignments. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to make plays defensively and not allow Merrimack to feel comfortable in the pocket. The offense will need to sustain drives and score points early.

Merrimack escaped Southern Connecticut with a 21-14 victory last weekend. The Warriors were behind late but rallied for yet another exciting victory. Defense propelled the team late and allowed the offense another chance to tie and win the game. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to continue their stellar defensive effort and not allow the balanced attack of Stonehill to control the flow of the game. They will also need to punch the ball into the end zone when given the opportunity.

Merrimack will continue their storybook finish.

Prediction: Merrimack 24 Stonehill 14


New Haven (7-3, 7-2 NE-10) @ # 18 Assumption (9-1, 8-1 NE-10)

When: November 14th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 6-4-0

2014 Result: Assumption 23 New Haven 17

My Thoughts: A trophy is on the line as well as a potential berth into the playoffs.

New Haven used a second half surge to defeat St. Anselm 44-21 to earn their berth in the championship game. The Chargers turned it up another gear in the final 30 minutes and have been looking forward to this game since the beginning of the season. It has been their goal to get back to the championship game and continue their proud tradition.

On the offense side, New Haven will look to establish their running game. Andre Anderson leads a talented backfield for the Chargers that will look to pound the running game all day long. Ajee Patterson has been solid as the quarterback and is very comfortable in the pocket. He can stretch the field with his receivers or just watch his big offensive line open holes for the running backs.

On the defensive side, Tyler Condit is the main cog for New Haven. He is all over the field making plays and expect nothing less in the championship game. The defensive line is very solid at controlling the run and also getting pressure on the opposing quarterback. The secondary is deep and talented.

Assumption enters the game fresh off a 28-14 victory over Stonehill. The Greyhounds now own an eight game winning streak since falling to LIU Post in Week 2. Special teams was again a big part of the win as they blocked another punt and continue to play well.

On the offensive side, Assumption is very balanced with quality at each position. Brendan Tobey has emerged as solid quarterback. He has two running backs that can grind out yards or break free in the open field for big gainers. Deonte Harris and Ashton Grant are very explosive on the outside and also capable of making highlight type plays. The offense line has been an underrated part of the offense.

On the defensive side, Jarrod Casey is the heart and soul of the unit. He is also making big plays and a classic ball hawk. The secondary is capable of picking off passes and shutting down opposing offenses. The defensive line pressures the quarterback and wreaks havoc in the backfield.

This game is classic strength against strength. Both teams are solid on both sides of the field but Assumption has the clear advantage on special teams. That unit will be held in check until late in the game and make a championship play to win the NE-10.

Prediction: Assumption 21 New Haven 14